Nebulizer and nebulizer kit

ABSTRACT

A nebulizer kit includes a case body having a compressed air introduction tube, in an upper end portion of which a nozzle hole that expels compressed air is formed, a suction channel formation member that forms a suction channel for sucking a liquid toward the upper end portion and that forms an atomizing area in an exit region of the nozzle hole, and a flow channel formation member having an aerosol discharge port. The suction channel has a first suction channel extending upward along an outer circumferential surface of the compressed air introduction tube, and a second suction channel that extends from the first suction channel toward the nozzle hole at a leading end area of the compressed air introduction tube and has a liquid suction port that expels the liquid.

This is a Continuation of International Application No.PCT/JP2012/076115 filed Oct. 9, 2012, which claims the benefit ofJapanese Application No. 2011-285861, filed Dec. 27, 2011. Thedisclosure of the prior applications is hereby incorporated by referenceherein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to nebulizers and nebulizer kits.

BACKGROUND ART

Nebulizers produce aerosol by atomizing water, saline solutions, drugsolutions for treating diseases in the respiratory system or the like,or liquids such as vaccines. A typical nebulizer includes a nebulizerkit that produces the aerosol. JP H6-285168A (Patent Literature 1) canbe given as an example of a background art document disclosing anebulizer kit.

A typical nebulizer kit 1000Z will be described hereinafter withreference to FIG. 60. FIG. 60 is a cross-sectional view illustrating thenebulizer kit 1000Z. The nebulizer kit 1000Z includes a case body 900,an atomizing area formation member 920, a flow channel formation member930, and an atomizing area M.

Case Body 900

The case body 900 is formed as a closed-ended cylinder. An upper opening902 is provided in an upper area of the case body 900. A compressed airintroduction tube 913 and a liquid reservoir portion 916 are providedwithin the case body 900. The compressed air introduction tube 913extends upward from a base of the case body 900 (that is, from the sideon which the liquid reservoir portion 916 is located). Compressed air(not shown) is introduced into the compressed air introduction tube 913.

A nozzle hole 915 for ejecting the compressed air is provided in anupper tip area 913 a of the compressed air introduction tube 913. Theliquid reservoir portion 916, which serves to hold a liquid W, isprovided so as to surround an outer circumferential surface of thecompressed air introduction tube 913 on a lower end of the compressedair introduction tube 913.

Atomizing Area Formation Member 920

The atomizing area formation member 920 includes a liquid suction tubeformation area 924, a baffle portion 922, and a baffle support portion923. The liquid suction tube formation area 924 is formed as a cylinder.The diameter of the liquid suction tube formation area 924 decreases asthe liquid suction tube formation area 924 progresses upward. An opening924 a is provided at the apex of the liquid suction tube formation area924. The baffle portion 922 has a projection 925 located immediatelyabove the opening 924 a. The projection 925 is provided as necessary.

The baffle support portion 923 extends toward a side area of the baffleportion 922 from an outside surface of the liquid suction tube formationarea 924. The baffle portion 922 and the projection 925 face the opening924 a with a gap provided therebetween. The atomizing area formationmember 920 is contained and disposed within the case body 900 so that anouter surface of the compressed air introduction tube 913 is covered bythe liquid suction tube formation area 924.

Flow Channel Formation Member 930

The flow channel formation member 930 is attached to the case body 900so as to cap an upper opening 902 in the case body 900. The flow channelformation member 930 includes an aerosol discharge port 932 and anoutside air introduction tube 934. The aerosol discharge port 932 isprovided in an upper area of the flow channel formation member 930.Aerosol produced within the case body 900 (at the atomizing area M) isdischarged to the exterior from the aerosol discharge port 932. Theoutside air introduction tube 934 is provided so as to pass through theflow channel formation member 930 from top to bottom. Outside air usedto produce the aerosol is introduced through the outside airintroduction tube 934, from the exterior of the case body 900 toward theinterior of the case body 900 (the atomizing area M).

Atomizing Area M

FIG. 61 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the atomizing area M inthe nebulizer kit 1000Z in an enlarged manner. The atomizing area M isformed between the baffle portion 922 (the projection 925) provided inthe atomizing area formation member 920 and the nozzle hole 915 providedin the compressed air introduction tube 913 (see FIG. 60).

The compressed air introduced into the compressed air introduction tube913 is expelled through the nozzle hole 915 provided in the upper tiparea 913 a (see an arrow AR913). After being expelled from the nozzlehole 915 toward the projection 925, the compressed air collides with theprojection 925 and the baffle portion 922, changes direction, andspreads out radially (see an arrow AR922). A negative pressure, wherethe pressure is lower than the surroundings, is produced at theatomizing area M and the vicinity thereof.

The liquid W is sucked upward to the vicinity of the atomizing area Mfrom the liquid reservoir portion 916 due to the negative pressureproduced at the atomizing area M and the vicinity thereof (see an arrowAR915). The liquid W collides with the compressed air flowing in thedirection of the arrow AR922 and breaks up as a result, changing intomist particles (fine droplets) (not shown).

These mist particles attach to the outside air introduced into the casebody 900 through the outside air introduction tube 934 (see an arrowAR934). The aerosol is produced at the atomizing area M. The aerosolswirls (see an arrow AR932) toward the aerosol discharge port 932 (seeFIG. 60) and is discharged to the exterior through the aerosol dischargeport 932 (see FIG. 60).

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

Patent Literature 1: JP H6-285168A

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem

FIG. 62 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the atomizing area M inthe nebulizer kit 1000Z in a further enlarged manner. As describedabove, the compressed air expelled through the nozzle hole 915 (see thearrow AR913) collides with a lower end 925T of the projection 925 andthe baffle portion 922 (see FIG. 61). The compressed air that hascollided with the lower end 925T of the projection 925 and so on changesdirection and spreads radially (see the arrow AR922).

After breaking up the liquid W through air pressure (wind pressure), thecompressed air collides with an inner circumferential surface of thebaffle support portion 923 (see FIG. 61) or the outside air introductiontube 934 (see FIG. 61). The compressed air that has turned into aerosolswirls (see the arrow AR932 in FIG. 61) toward the aerosol dischargeport 932 (see FIG. 60) and is discharged to the exterior through theaerosol discharge port 932 (see FIG. 60).

When the aerosol is produced in the nebulizer kit 1000Z, the compressedair expelled from the nozzle hole 915 first collides with the projection925 (an/or the baffle portion 922), then collides with the bafflesupport portion 923 (see FIG. 61), and finally collides with the innercircumferential surface of the outside air introduction tube 934 (seeFIG. 61). The compressed air expelled from the nozzle hole 915 losespressure with each of these collisions.

For the compressed air introduced into the compressed air introductiontube 913, it is necessary to prepare compressed air that has thepressure required to produce the aerosol while also taking intoconsideration such a loss in pressure. Accordingly, in conventionalnebulizer kits such as the nebulizer kit 1000Z, it has been necessary touse a high-capacity (high-flow rate) and large-size compressor or thelike in order to generate compressed air having a high flow rate.

Having been achieved in light of the aforementioned circumstances, it isan object of the present invention to provide a nebulizer kit and anebulizer capable of reducing pressure loss in compressed air whenproducing aerosol.

Solution to Problem

A nebulizer kit according to the present invention includes: a casebody, having an open upper end, and including a compressed airintroduction tube, extending upward, into which compressed air isintroduced and in an upper end portion of which a nozzle hole thatexpels the compressed air is formed, and further including a liquidreservoir portion provided surrounding an outer circumferential surfaceof the compressed air introduction tube at a bottom area of thecompressed air introduction tube; a suction channel formation memberthat forms a suction channel that sucks a liquid held in the liquidreservoir portion toward the upper end portion of the compressed airintroduction tube and forms an atomizing area in an exit region of thenozzle hole provided in the compressed air introduction tube by coveringthe outer circumferential surface of the compressed air introductiontube; and a flow channel formation member, including an aerosoldischarge port that discharges an aerosol formed at the atomizing areato the exterior, that is attached to the case body so as to cover anupper opening of the case body. Here, the suction channel includes afirst suction channel that extends upward along the outercircumferential surface of the compressed air introduction tube and asecond suction channel that extends from the first suction channeltoward the nozzle hole at a leading end area of the compressed airintroduction tube and has a liquid suction port that expels the liquidthat has been sucked up, the second suction channel is formed so as topass through a portion of the flow channel formation member from aninterior of the channel formation member toward a surface of the channelformation member, and a liquid collecting portion having a largercross-sectional channel area than that of the second suction channel isprovided in a region where the first suction channel and the secondsuction channel intersect.

Preferably, the liquid suction port is positioned above a region inwhich the nozzle hole is provided when the nozzle hole is viewed fromthe liquid suction port.

Preferably, the nozzle hole is formed in a circular shape, and a centerline of the nozzle hole is positioned on a plane that includes theliquid suction port.

Preferably, an opening of the liquid suction port is shaped so as toextend horizontally.

Preferably, the nozzle hole is defined by a round, cylindrical innercircumferential surface, and the inner circumferential surface is atapered surface that widens outward.

A nebulizer according to the present invention includes: a main bodyincluding a compressor that discharges compressed air; a compressed airtube portion through which the compressed air discharged by thecompressor is introduced; and the aforementioned nebulizer kit accordingto the present invention, to which one end of the compressed air tubeportion is attached and that produces an aerosol.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to the present invention, a nebulizer kit and a nebulizercapable of reducing a loss of pressure in compressed air when producingaerosol can be provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a nebulizer according to afirst embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a nebulizer kit according tothe first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the nebulizer kitaccording to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an exploded cross-sectional view illustrating the nebulizerkit according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along a V-V line shown in FIG. 1

FIG. 6 is a first perspective view illustrating a suction channelformation member used in the nebulizer kit according to the firstembodiment.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view taken along a VII-VII lineshown in FIG. 6, and is a first cross-sectional perspective viewillustrating the suction channel formation member used in the nebulizerkit according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a second perspective view illustrating the suction channelformation member used in the nebulizer kit according to the firstembodiment.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional perspective view taken along a IX-IX lineshown in FIG. 8, and is a second cross-sectional perspective viewillustrating the suction channel formation member used in the nebulizerkit according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional perspective view illustrating the suctionchannel formation member used in the nebulizer kit according to thefirst embodiment, contained and disposed within a case body.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along a XI-XI line shown in FIG.10.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating a particle segregatingportion used in the nebulizer kit according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an atomizing area and thevicinity thereof when aerosol is produced by the nebulizer kit accordingto the first embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state of the nebulizerkit as a whole when aerosol is produced by the nebulizer kit accordingto the first embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an atomizing area and thevicinity thereof in a nebulizer kit according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an atomizing area and thevicinity thereof in a nebulizer kit according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view illustrating an atomizing area and thevicinity thereof in a nebulizer kit according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view illustrating an atomizing area and thevicinity thereof in a nebulizer kit according to a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view illustrating an atomizing area and thevicinity thereof in a nebulizer kit according to a sixth embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an atomizing area and thevicinity thereof in a nebulizer kit according to a seventh embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view illustrating an atomizing area and thevicinity thereof in a nebulizer kit according to an eighth embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view illustrating an atomizing area and thevicinity thereof in a nebulizer kit according to a ninth embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view illustrating a suction channel formationmember used in a nebulizer kit according to a tenth embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an atomizing area and thevicinity thereof in the nebulizer kit according to the tenth embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view illustrating an atomizing area and thevicinity thereof in a nebulizer kit according to an eleventh embodiment.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view illustrating a state when a suctionchannel formation member in the nebulizer kit according to the eleventhembodiment is attached to a case body (a compressed air introductiontube).

FIG. 27 is a perspective view illustrating an atomizing area and thevicinity thereof in a nebulizer kit according to a twelfth embodiment.

FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view taken along a XXVIII-XXVIII line shownin FIG. 27.

FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a statewhen aerosol is produced at an atomizing area in the nebulizer kitaccording to the twelfth embodiment.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view illustrating an atomizing area and thevicinity thereof in a nebulizer kit according to a thirteenthembodiment.

FIG. 31 is a plan view seen from the direction of an arrow XXXI shown inFIG. 30.

FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view taken along a XXXII-XXXII line shownin FIG. 30.

FIG. 33 is a perspective view illustrating an atomizing area and thevicinity thereof in a nebulizer kit according to a fourteenthembodiment.

FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view taken along a XXXIV-XXXIV line shownin FIG. 33.

FIG. 35 is a perspective view illustrating an atomizing area and thevicinity thereof in a nebulizer kit according to a fifteenth embodiment.

FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view taken along a XXXVI-XXXVI line shownin FIG. 35.

FIG. 37 is a perspective view illustrating a particle segregatingportion used in a nebulizer kit according to a sixteenth embodiment.

FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional perspective view illustrating the particlesegregating portion used in the nebulizer kit according to the sixteenthembodiment.

FIG. 39 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a particlesegregating portion and a flow channel formation member used in anebulizer kit according to a seventeenth embodiment.

FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional view taken along a XL-XL line shown in FIG.39.

FIG. 41 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a particlesegregating portion and a flow channel formation member used in anebulizer kit according to an eighteenth embodiment.

FIG. 42 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a particlesegregating portion and a flow channel formation member used in anebulizer kit according to a nineteenth embodiment.

FIG. 43 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a particlesegregating portion and a flow channel formation member used in anebulizer kit according to a twentieth embodiment.

FIG. 44 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a particlesegregating portion and a flow channel formation member used in anebulizer kit according to a twenty-first embodiment.

FIG. 45 is a perspective view illustrating a nebulizer kit according toa twenty-second embodiment.

FIG. 46 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the nebulizer kitaccording to the twenty-second embodiment.

FIG. 47 is a cross-sectional perspective view illustrating a case bodyand a suction channel formation member used in the nebulizer kitaccording to the twenty-second embodiment.

FIG. 48 is a perspective view illustrating an upper cylinder portion ofa flow channel formation member used in the nebulizer kit according tothe twenty-second embodiment.

FIG. 49 is a cross-sectional perspective view illustrating a state whena particle segregating portion used in the nebulizer kit according tothe twenty-second embodiment is fixed to the upper cylinder portion ofthe flow channel formation member.

FIG. 50 is a cross-sectional perspective view illustrating a state whena particle segregating portion used in the nebulizer kit according tothe twenty-second embodiment is fixed to a lower cylinder portion of theflow channel formation member.

FIG. 51 is a perspective view illustrating operations of the nebulizerkit according to the twenty-second embodiment.

FIG. 52 is a first plan view illustrating the particle segregatingportion and the flow channel formation member used in the nebulizer kitaccording to the twenty-second embodiment.

FIG. 53 is a second plan view illustrating the particle segregatingportion and the flow channel formation member used in the nebulizer kitaccording to the twenty-second embodiment.

FIG. 54 is a third plan view illustrating the particle segregatingportion and the flow channel formation member used in the nebulizer kitaccording to the twenty-second embodiment.

FIG. 55 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a particlesegregating portion and a flow channel formation member used in anebulizer kit according to a twenty-third embodiment.

FIG. 56 is a cross-sectional perspective view illustrating the particlesegregating portion used in the nebulizer kit according to thetwenty-third embodiment.

FIG. 57 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a particlesegregating portion and a flow channel formation member used in anebulizer kit according to a twenty-fourth embodiment.

FIG. 58 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a particlesegregating portion and a flow channel formation member used in anebulizer kit according to a twenty-fifth embodiment.

FIG. 59 is a cross-sectional perspective view illustrating the particlesegregating portion used in the nebulizer kit according to thetwenty-fifth embodiment.

FIG. 60 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a typical nebulizer kit.

FIG. 61 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an atomizing area of atypical nebulizer kit in an enlarged manner.

FIG. 62 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the atomizing area of atypical nebulizer kit in a further enlarged manner.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Several embodiments based on the present invention will be describedhereinafter with reference to the drawings. When numbers, amounts, andso on are discussed in the following embodiments, unless explicitlymentioned otherwise, the scope of the present invention is notnecessarily limited to those numbers, amounts, and so on. In theembodiments, identical and corresponding components may be assignedidentical reference numerals, and redundant descriptions thereof may beomitted. Unless otherwise specified, it is assumed from the outset thatthe configurations described in the respective embodiments are used incombination with each other as appropriate.

First Embodiment

Nebulizer 2000

A nebulizer 2000 according to the present embodiment will be describedwith reference to FIG. 1. The nebulizer 2000 includes a main body 510, atube 512 (a compressed air tube portion), a nebulizer kit 1000, and amouthpiece 500. The main body 510 includes a compressor that dischargescompressed air, electrical components, and so on. The tube 512 isflexible. One end of the tube 512 is connected to a compressed airexpulsion port 511 provided in the main body 510. The other end of thetube 512 is connected to the nebulizer kit 1000.

The mouthpiece 500 is attached to an aerosol discharge port 420 (seeFIG. 2) of the nebulizer kit 1000. The mouthpiece 500 is used by a userto suck aerosol into his/her nose or mouth. The mouthpiece 500 is formedin a tube shape such as that shown in FIG. 1. The mouthpiece 500 mayinstead be formed in a mask shape. The mouthpiece 500 is a disposabletype that for sanitary purposes is discarded after use.

When the nebulizer kit 1000 is used, the nebulizer kit 1000 is held bythe user so that a lengthwise direction of the nebulizer kit 1000 isapproximately parallel to the vertical direction, as shown in FIG. 1. An“upward” and a “downward” direction of the nebulizer kit 1000respectively correspond to upward in the vertical direction and downwardin the vertical direction relative to the nebulizer kit 1000 when usedin this state (a reference orientation employed when the nebulizer kit1000 is used).

Nebulizer Kit 1000

FIG. 2 is perspective view illustrating the nebulizer kit 1000. FIG. 3is an exploded perspective view illustrating the nebulizer kit 1000.FIG. 4 is an exploded cross-sectional view illustrating the nebulizerkit 1000. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along a V-V line shownin FIG. 2. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the nebulizer kit 1000 includes acase body 100, a suction channel formation member 200 (see FIGS. 3 to5), a particle segregating portion 300 (see FIGS. 3 to 5), and a flowchannel formation member 400.

Case Body 100

Referring primarily to FIG. 4, the case body 100 includes a cylinderportion 110, an opening 102 (an upper opening), a compressed airintroduction tube 113, and a liquid reservoir portion 116, and isconfigured as a closed-ended cylinder overall. A lower end of thecylinder portion 110 is closed off by the liquid reservoir portion 116,whereas an upper end of the cylinder portion 110 is left open by theopening 102 provided therein. Interlocking holes 180 are provided in thevicinity of the opening 102 in the cylinder portion 110. When the flowchannel fat nation member 400 is attached to the case body 100, theinterlocking holes 180 interlock with corresponding interlockingprotrusions 480 provided in the flow channel formation member 400 (seeFIGS. 2, 3, and 5).

The compressed air introduction tube 113 extends in a tapered form,decreasing in diameter as the compressed air introduction tube 113progresses upward from the lower-center of the cylinder portion 110. Anozzle hole 115 is provided in an upper tip area 113 a of the compressedair introduction tube 113. The nozzle hole 115 passes through theapproximate center of a leading end surface 113 s of the upper tip area113 a.

The tube 512 (see FIG. 1) is attached to a lower leading end area of thecompressed air introduction tube 113. The compressor provided in themain body 510 of the nebulizer 2000 (see FIG. 1) introduces compressedair into the compressed air introduction tube 113 through the compressedair expulsion port 511 (see FIG. 1) and the tube 512 (see FIG. 1). Thecompressed air introduced into the compressed air introduction tube 113is ejected toward the interior of the case body 100 from the nozzle hole115.

The liquid reservoir portion 116 is provided so as to surround an outercircumferential surface 113 b of the compressed air introduction tube113 on a lower end of the compressed air introduction tube 113. Theliquid reservoir portion 116 temporarily holds a liquid W such as water,a saline solution, a drug solution for treating respiratory systemconditions or the like, a vaccine, or the like.

Suction Channel Formation Member 200

FIG. 6 is a first perspective view illustrating the suction channelformation member 200, and illustrates the overall configuration of thesuction channel formation member 200 from above at an angle. FIG. 7 is across-sectional perspective view taken along a VII-VII line shown inFIG. 6, and is a first cross-sectional perspective view illustrating thesuction channel formation member 200. FIG. 7 illustrates the internalstructure of the suction channel formation member 200 from above at anangle. FIG. 8 is a second perspective view illustrating the suctionchannel formation member 200, and illustrates the overall configurationof the suction channel formation member 200 from below at an angle. FIG.9 is a cross-sectional perspective view taken along a IX-IX line shownin FIG. 8, and is a second cross-sectional view illustrating the suctionchannel formation member 200. FIG. 9 illustrates the internal structureof the suction channel formation member 200 from below at an angle.

As shown in FIGS. 6 to 9, the suction channel formation member 200includes a cylinder portion 210, a suction channel formation portion 220(see FIGS. 7 to 9), an opening 230 (see FIGS. 6 and 7), an opening 235(see FIGS. 8 and 9), a liquid suction port 240, and a plate-shapedgripping portion 250.

The cylinder portion 210 is formed as a circular cylinder in a taperedshape, with the diameter thereof decreasing as the cylinder portion 210progresses upward. The opening 230 is formed in an apex of the cylinderportion 210. The opening 235 is formed in a base area of the cylinderportion 210. The shape of an inner circumferential surface 210 a of thecylinder portion 210 corresponds to the shape of the outercircumferential surface 113 b of the compressed air introduction tube113 provided in the case body 100 (see FIG. 5).

An expanded portion 241 formed in a half-circular column shape isprovided on an upper end surface 232 of the cylinder portion 210. Aliquid suction port formation member 243 that projects in a circularcolumn shape is provided in an end surface 242 of the expanded portion241. The liquid suction port formation member 243 projects in adirection perpendicular relative to the end surface 242. Theplate-shaped gripping portion 250 is provided so as to extend outward inthe normal direction of the cylinder portion 210 from an outer surfaceof the cylinder portion 210. The plate-shaped gripping portion 250includes a plate portion 251 and a protrusion 252. The protrusion 252 isprovided above the plate portion 251 as an integral part of the plateportion 251, and projects further upward than the surface of the apex ofthe expanded portion 241.

The suction channel formation portion 220 is formed having an overallapproximate L shape. The suction channel formation portion 220 isprovided in the inner circumferential surface 210 a of the cylinderportion 210 as an indentation that extends approximately linearly fromthe opening 235 toward the opening 230, and is provided so as to passthrough the interior of the expanded portion 241 and the liquid suctionport formation member 243.

A leading end in the extension direction of the suction channelformation portion 220 that passes through the liquid suction portformation member 243 reaches the surface of the liquid suction portformation member 243. The liquid suction port 240 is formed in a leadingend portion of the suction channel formation portion 220 that reachesthe surface of the liquid suction port formation member 243. Thediameter of the liquid suction port 240 is no less than 0.45 mm and nomore than 0.5 mm, for example.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional perspective view illustrating a state inwhich the suction channel formation member 200 is contained and disposedwithin the case body 100. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken alonga XI-XI line shown in FIG. 10.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the suction channel formation member 200 iscontained and disposed within the case body 100 so that the outercircumferential surface 113 b of the compressed air introduction tube113 is covered by the cylinder portion 210. When the suction channelformation member 200 is contained and disposed within the case body 100,the upper tip area 113 a of the compressed air introduction tube 113 isexposed from the opening 230 in the suction channel formation member200.

As shown in FIG. 11, the nozzle hole 115 and the liquid suction port 240are provided so that a center line of the nozzle hole 115 and a centerline of the liquid suction port 240 are approximately orthogonal to eachother. The inner circumferential surface 210 a of the cylinder portion210 and the outer circumferential surface 113 b of the compressed airintroduction tube 113 are essentially in tight contact with each other,aside from an area of the inner circumferential surface 210 a of thecylinder portion 210 where the suction channel formation portion 220 isprovided.

A suction channel 221 (a first suction channel) is formed between thesuction channel formation portion 220 and the outer circumferentialsurface 113 b of the compressed air introduction tube 113. The suctionchannel 221 extends upward, from the side on which the liquid reservoirportion 116 is located (see FIG. 10) toward the nozzle hole 115, alongthe outer circumferential surface 113 b of the compressed airintroduction tube 113.

A suction channel 222 (a second suction channel) is formed so as toconnect with an upper end of the suction channel 221. In the presentembodiment, the suction channel 222 extends in a direction orthogonal tothe upper end of the suction channel 221. At the leading end of thecompressed air introduction tube 113, the suction channel 222 extendsfrom the upper end of the suction channel 221 toward the nozzle hole115, approximately orthogonally to the direction of a center axis of thenozzle hole 115. The liquid suction port 240 is formed in a leading endarea of the suction channel 222. In the present embodiment, the liquidsuction port 240 does not overlap with the nozzle hole 115, and isinstead disposed slightly back from the nozzle hole 115.

Particle Segregating Portion 300

FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating the particle segregatingportion 300. The particle segregating portion 300 is generallyconfigured in an approximately cylindrical shape that extends upwardfrom below while decreasing in diameter. The particle segregatingportion 300 includes a lower cylinder portion 310, an upper cylinderportion 320, a center shaft portion 330, and four blade portions 340.The lower cylinder portion 310 is disposed coaxially with the uppercylinder portion 320. The diameter of the lower cylinder portion 310 isgreater than the diameter of the upper cylinder portion 320.

The four blade portions 340 are provided between the center shaftportion 330, which is located in the center of the upper cylinderportion 320, and the inner circumferential surface of the upper cylinderportion 320. The four blade portions 340 are formed having essentiallythe same plate shape. The four blade portions 340 are disposed so as tobe separated from each other by 90°. The four blade portions 340 curvein a twisting manner from a lower area of the upper cylinder portion 320toward an upper area of the upper cylinder portion 320. The four bladeportions 340 are disposed in an overall screw shape. The four bladeportions 340 occupy a space between the atomizing area M and the aerosoldischarge port 420 in a fan shape.

Referring again to FIGS. 4 and 5, the particle segregating portion 300is disposed above the suction channel formation member 200 that is inturn disposed within the case body 100. A lower end of the particlesegregating portion 300 makes contact with an upper end of theprotrusion 252 of the suction channel formation member 200. The uppercylinder portion 320 of the particle segregating portion 300 is fixed toan inner side of a central cylinder portion 412 of the flow channelformation member 400, which will be described next (see FIG. 5).

Fixing the flow channel formation member 400 to the case body 100positions the particle segregating portion 300. The suction channelformation member 200 is fixed to the case body 100 as a result of thelower end of the positioned particle segregating portion 300 and theupper end of the protrusion 252 of the suction channel formation member200 making contact with each other. Vertical movement of the suctionchannel formation member 200 relative to the case body 100 is limited asa result of this fixing.

Flow Channel Formation Member 400

Referring again to FIGS. 3 to 5, the flow channel formation member 400is attached to the case body 100 so as to cover the opening 102 of thecase body 100. The flow channel formation member 400 includes a lowercylinder portion 410, the central cylinder portion 412, an uppercylinder portion 414, the aerosol discharge port 420, an outside airintroduction port 430, and the interlocking protrusions 480.

The lower cylinder portion 410 is disposed coaxially with the centralcylinder portion 412 and the upper cylinder portion 414. The diameter ofthe central cylinder portion 412 is greater than the diameter of theupper cylinder portion 414. The diameter of the lower cylinder portion410 is greater than the diameter of the central cylinder portion 412.The flow channel formation member 400 is generally configured in anapproximately cylindrical shape that extends upward from below whiledecreasing in diameter.

The aerosol discharge port 420 is formed on the inner side of the uppercylinder portion 414. The outside air introduction port 430 is providedin an area where the lower cylinder portion 410 and the central cylinderportion 412 are connected to each other (see FIG. 3). The interlockingprotrusions 480 are provided in the vicinity of a lower end of the lowercylinder portion 410. As described above, when the flow channelformation member 400 is attached to the case body 100, the interlockingprotrusions 480 interlock with corresponding interlocking holes 180provided in the case body 100 (see FIGS. 2, 3, and 5). The uppercylinder portion 320 of the particle segregating portion 300 is fixed toan inner side of the central cylinder portion 412 (see FIG. 5).

Operations of Nebulizer Kit 1000

Operations of the nebulizer kit 1000 will be described with reference toFIGS. 13 and 14. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating theatomizing area M and the vicinity thereof when aerosol is produced bythe nebulizer kit 1000 (see FIG. 2). FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional viewillustrating a state of the nebulizer kit 1000 as a whole when aerosolis produced by the nebulizer kit 1000.

As shown in FIG. 13, the atomizing area M is formed at an exit regionR115 of the nozzle hole 115 provided in the compressed air introductiontube 113 (a region where the center axis of the nozzle hole 115 providedin the compressed air introduction tube 113 intersects with the centeraxis of the liquid suction port 240 provided in the suction channelformation member 200) and in the vicinity of the exit region R115.

The compressed air introduced into the compressed air introduction tube113 is expelled through the nozzle hole 115 provided in the upper tiparea 113 a (see an arrow AR113). A negative pressure, where the pressureis lower than the surroundings, is produced at the atomizing area M andthe vicinity thereof as a result of the compressed air being expelledtoward the exit region 8115 from the nozzle hole 115.

The liquid W (see FIG. 14) is sucked upward, through the suction channel221 and the suction channel 222, to the vicinity of the atomizing area Mfrom the liquid reservoir portion 116 (see FIG. 14) due to the negativepressure produced at the atomizing area M and the vicinity thereof (seean arrow AR220 in FIG. 13). The liquid W is gradually discharged towardthe atomizing area M from the liquid suction port 240. A small amount ofthe liquid W discharged from the liquid suction port 240 collides withthe compressed air flowing in the direction of the arrow AR113 andbreaks up at the atomizing area M, changing into mist particles (finedroplets) (not shown).

Referring to FIG. 14, these mist particles attach to the outside airintroduced into the case body 100 through the outside air introductionport 430 (see an arrow AR430). The aerosol is produced at the atomizingarea M. The aerosol moves toward the aerosol discharge port 420 throughthe interior of the particle segregating portion 300.

In the present embodiment, the blade portions 340 of the particlesegregating portion 300 are disposed between the atomizing area M andthe aerosol discharge port 420. Large (for example, a diameter of 10 μmor greater) particles of the aerosol moving toward the aerosol dischargeport 420 from the atomizing area M adhere to the surfaces of the bladeportions 340. Aerosol having desired particle diameters (for example,greater than or equal to 2 μm and less than 10 μm) segregated by theblade portions 340 is then discharged to the exterior through theaerosol discharge port 420. The aerosol is then sucked into the nose ormouth of the user through the mouthpiece 500 (see FIG. 1).

Actions and Effects

When the aerosol is produced in the nebulizer kit 1000, the compressedair expelled from the nozzle hole 115 makes contact with the liquid Wdischarged from the liquid suction port 240 while continuing to flow ina linear manner (see the arrow AR113 in FIGS. 13 and 14). Unlike thenebulizer kit 1000Z described earlier (see FIGS. 60 to 62), thecompressed air expelled from the nozzle hole 115 is used in theproduction of aerosol without first making contact with other members orswirling greatly. Thus the compressed air introduced into the compressedair introduction tube 113 loses almost no pressure when producing theaerosol.

It is thus necessary to prepare compressed air at a lower flow rate inthe nebulizer kit 1000 than in the nebulizer kit 1000Z in order toproduce aerosol having the same quantity of mist in the nebulizer kit1000 and the nebulizer kit 1000Z. The nebulizer kit 1000 uses thecompressed air efficiently when producing the aerosol, and thus acompressor whose capacity (flow rate) and overall size are lower thanthat of the nebulizer kit 1000Z can be used. Accordingly, the nebulizerkit 1000 not only can be manufactured cheaply, but also can reduce theamount of energy consumed to produce the aerosol.

The nebulizer kit 1000 can be broken down into individual components andthus the individual components can be cleaned with ease. In thenebulizer kit 1000, the plate-shaped gripping portion 250 is provided inthe suction channel formation member 200. The suction channel formationmember 200 is prevented from being lost during cleaning by using theplate-shaped gripping portion 250.

In the suction channel formation member 200, the direction in which thesuction channel 222 extends and the position in which the liquid suctionport 240 is provided are on the opposite side from the direction inwhich the plate-shaped gripping portion 250 extends. Thus the spray ofthe aerosol produced at the atomizing area M is not inhibited by theplate-shaped gripping portion 250.

In the nebulizer kit 1000, the lower end of the particle segregatingportion 300 makes contact with the upper end of the protrusion 252 ofthe suction channel formation member 200 (see FIG. 5). Vertical movementof the suction channel formation member 200 relative to the case body100 is fixed (that is, the suction channel formation member 200 ispositioned). Thus the suction channel formation member 200 is securelyprevented from being pushed upward by the compressed air expelled fromthe nozzle hole 115. The aerosol can thus be produced continuously atthe atomizing area M.

The nebulizer kit 1000 may be configured so that the suction channelformation member 200 is not fixed to the case body 100 in a rotationdirection and the suction channel formation member 200 can freely rotatearound the compressed air introduction tube 113 relative to the casebody 100. In this case, in the case where the nebulizer kit 1000 istilted, the suction channel formation member 200 rotates under theweight of the plate-shaped gripping portion 250 so that the plate-shapedgripping portion 250 is positioned downward in a gravitationaldirection. A lower end of the suction channel 221 can be continuouslysubmerged in the liquid W held in the liquid reservoir portion 116. Thusthe suction channel 221 can continually suck up the liquid W even in thecase where the nebulizer kit 1000 is tilted.

As described above, the particle segregating portion 300 is fixed to theflow channel formation member 400 (the central cylinder portion 412).When the flow channel formation member 400 is removed from the case body100, the particle segregating portion 300 and the flow channel formationmember 400 are removed as well. The particle segregating portion 300 andthe flow channel formation member 400 of the nebulizer kit 1000 are thusconvenient when breaking down and cleaning those members.

In the particle segregating portion 300, the blade portions 340 areprovided on the inner side of the upper cylinder portion 320. The bladeportions 340 are positioned toward one side (end) of the particlesegregating portion 300 in the lengthwise direction thereof. The bladeportions 340 can be cleaned easily. In addition, the diameter of theparticle segregating portion 300 decreases as the particle segregatingportion 300 progresses from the lower cylinder portion 310 toward theupper cylinder portion 320. The particle segregating portion 300 caneffectively segregate particles. Although the main purpose of theparticle segregating portion 300 is to segregate aerosol particles basedon the particle diameters, there are cases where particles having therequired diameters can be obtained without using the particlesegregating portion 300. In this case, it is preferable to use thenebulizer kit 1000 with the particle segregating portion 300 removed.For example, in the case where particles (aerosol) 15 μm in diameter arerequired, and particles (aerosol) 15 μm in diameter are produced at theatomizing area M, it is preferable to use the nebulizer kit 1000 withthe particle segregating portion 300 removed.

Second Embodiment

The present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 15. Anebulizer kit according to the present embodiment includes a suctionchannel formation member 200A instead of the suction channel formationmember 200 (see FIG. 13 and so on) according to the aforementioned firstembodiment.

As described above, the liquid suction port 240 of the suction channelformation member 200 (see FIG. 13 and so on) does not overlap with thenozzle hole 115, and is instead disposed slightly back from the nozzlehole 115. However, in the suction channel formation member 200A, theliquid suction port 240 is positioned above the region in which thenozzle hole 115 is provided when the nozzle hole 115 is viewed from theliquid suction port 240.

The position of the liquid suction port 240 is closer to the nozzle hole115 in the suction channel formation member 200A than in the suctionchannel formation member 200 (see FIG. 13 and so on). It is easier for anegative pressure to be produced at the atomizing area M in the suctionchannel formation member 200A than in the suction channel formationmember 200 (see FIG. 13 and so on). Accordingly, a lower flow ofcompressed air introduced into the compressed air introduction tube 113can be achieved in the suction channel formation member 200A than in thesuction channel formation member 200 (see FIG. 13 and so on).

In the case where the nozzle hole 115 is formed in a circular shape (torephrase, in the case where the nozzle hole 115 is formed from acircular column-shaped space), a center line 115 c of the nozzle hole115 may be positioned on a plane that includes the liquid suction port240. In this case, a leading end area 243T of the liquid suction portformation member 243 and the center line 115 c of the nozzle hole 115are positioned in the same plane.

It is preferable for a position of the liquid suction port 240 relativeto the nozzle hole 115 (that is, a distance between the liquid suctionport 240 and the nozzle hole 115) to be optimized in accordance with theflow amount and so on of the compressed air introduced into thecompressed air introduction tube 113 in order to more efficientlyproduce the aerosol at the atomizing area M. According to experimentalresults, a comparatively high amount of compressed air results in moreaerosol being produced when more than half of the nozzle hole 115 isexposed. On the other hand, a comparatively low amount of compressed airresults in more aerosol being produced when essentially half of thenozzle hole 115 is exposed.

Third Embodiment

The present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 16. Anebulizer kit according to the present embodiment includes a suctionchannel formation member 200B instead of the suction channel formationmember 200A (see FIG. 15 and so on) according to the aforementionedsecond embodiment.

In the suction channel formation member 200B, a liquid collectingportion 260 having a larger cross-sectional channel area than thesuction channel 222 is provided in a region where the suction channel221 and the suction channel 222 intersect (an intersecting region).

The liquid W that has been sucked upward under the negative pressurereaches the liquid collecting portion 260 after passing through thesuction channel 221. After first collecting in the liquid collectingportion 260, the liquid W is discharged from the liquid suction port 240through the suction channel 222. By providing the liquid collectingportion 260, the liquid W can be discharged from the liquid suction port240 continuously in a stable manner without interruption.

Fourth Embodiment

The present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 17. Anebulizer kit according to the present embodiment includes a suctionchannel formation member 200C instead of the suction channel formationmember 200 (see FIG. 10 and so on) according to the aforementioned firstembodiment.

In the suction channel formation member 200C, the liquid suction port240 is formed having a rounded slot shape. The opening of the liquidsuction port 240 is shaped so as to extend parallel to the leading endsurface 113 s of the compressed air introduction tube 113 (that is,horizontally). The liquid suction port 240 may be formed so that theshape of the opening thereof intersects with the center axis of thenozzle hole 115 at a right angle.

The liquid W that has been sucked upward under the negative pressure isdischarged from the liquid suction port 240. The liquid W dischargedfrom the liquid suction port 240 spreads out in the horizontal directionand makes contact with the compressed air expelled from the nozzle hole115 as a thin liquid film.

A small amount of the liquid W that has become a liquid film graduallymakes contact with the compressed air expelled from the nozzle hole 115.The liquid W is more easily broken up by the compressed air expelledfrom the nozzle hole 115, and thus an improvement in the mistingefficiency is achieved.

Fifth Embodiment

The present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 18. Anebulizer kit according to the present embodiment includes a suctionchannel formation member 200D instead of the suction channel formationmember 200 (see FIG. 10 and so on) according to the aforementioned firstembodiment.

In the suction channel formation member 200D, a plurality of liquidsuction ports 240 are provided. The plurality of liquid suction ports240 are arranged in a row parallel to the leading end surface 113 s ofthe compressed air introduction tube 113 (that is, horizontally). Theplurality of liquid suction ports 240 may be arranged in a row thatintersects with the center axis of the nozzle hole 115 at a right angle.

The liquid W that has been sucked upward under the negative pressure isdischarged from each of the plurality of liquid suction ports 240. Theamount of the liquid W discharged from each individual liquid suctionport 240 is lower than in the suction channel formation member 200according to the aforementioned first embodiment. The small amount ofliquid W discharged from each individual liquid suction port 240 makescontact with the compressed air expelled from the nozzle hole 115.

The small amount of liquid W discharged from each individual liquidsuction port 240 gradually makes contact with the compressed airexpelled from the nozzle hole 115. The liquid W is more easily broken upby the compressed air expelled from the nozzle hole 115, and thus animprovement in the misting efficiency is achieved.

Sixth Embodiment

The present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 19. Anebulizer kit according to the present embodiment includes a suctionchannel formation member 200E instead of the suction channel formationmember 200 (see FIG. 10 and so on) according to the aforementioned firstembodiment.

In the suction channel formation member 200E, the liquid suction port240 is formed having a W shape. The liquid W that has been sucked upwardunder the negative pressure is gradually discharged from the narrow areaat the lower end of the liquid suction port 240. The amount of theliquid W discharged from the liquid suction port 240 is lower than inthe suction channel formation member 200 according to the aforementionedfirst embodiment. The small amount of liquid W discharged from theliquid suction port 240 makes contact with the compressed air expelledfrom the nozzle hole 115.

The small amount of liquid W discharged from the liquid suction port 240gradually makes contact with the compressed air expelled from the nozzlehole 115. The liquid W is more easily broken up by the compressed airexpelled from the nozzle hole 115, and thus an improvement in themisting efficiency is achieved. The same actions and effects as in thepresent embodiment can also be achieved in the case where the liquidsuction port 240 is formed in a V shape, an M shape, or the like.

Seventh Embodiment

The present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 20. Anebulizer kit according to the present embodiment includes a case body100A instead of the case body 100 (see FIG. 16 and so on) according tothe aforementioned third embodiment. The configuration of the case body100A described hereinafter can also be applied in the first embodiment(see FIG. 10), the second embodiment (see FIG. 15), the fourthembodiment (see FIG. 17), the fifth embodiment (see FIG. 18), and thesixth embodiment (see FIG. 19).

In the case body 100A, the nozzle hole 115, which is defined by a round,cylindrical inner circumferential surface, is configured as a taperedsurface that widens outward. The diameter of the nozzle hole 115gradually increases following the direction in which the compressed airflows. A loss of pressure in the compressed air decreases as thecompressed air introduced into the compressed air introduction tube 113passes through the nozzle hole 115. The compressed air is used moreefficiently when producing the aerosol, and thus a compressor whosecapacity (flow rate) and overall size are lower can be used.

Eighth Embodiment

The present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 21. Anebulizer kit according to the present embodiment includes a case body100B instead of the case body 100 (see FIG. 10 and so on) according tothe aforementioned first embodiment. The configuration of the case body100B described hereinafter can also be applied in the second embodiment(see FIG. 15), the third embodiment (see FIG. 16), the fourth embodiment(see FIG. 17), the fifth embodiment (see FIG. 18), and the sixthembodiment (see FIG. 19).

In the case body 100B, the nozzle hole 115 is formed having rounded slotshape. The opening of the nozzle hole 115 is shaped so as to extendorthogonally (that is, horizontally) to the direction of the center axisof the liquid suction port 240 (the suction channel 222 in FIG. 11). Thecompressed air expands in the horizontal direction and is thus expelledfrom the nozzle hole 115 in a flat (rectangular parallelepiped) shape.

The liquid W that has been sucked upward under the negative pressure isdischarged from the liquid suction port 240. The liquid W dischargedfrom the liquid suction port 240 makes contact with the compressed airexpelled in an approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape. Theliquid W makes contact with the compressed air across a wide range. Theliquid W is more easily broken up by the compressed air expelled fromthe nozzle hole 115, and thus an improvement in the misting efficiencyis achieved.

Ninth Embodiment

The present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 22. Anebulizer kit according to the present embodiment includes a case body100C instead of the case body 100 (see FIG. 10 and so on) according tothe aforementioned first embodiment. The configuration of the case body100C described hereinafter can also be applied in the second embodiment(see FIG. 15), the third embodiment (see FIG. 16), the fourth embodiment(see FIG. 17), the fifth embodiment (see FIG. 18), and the sixthembodiment (see FIG. 19).

In the case body 100C, a plurality of nozzle holes 115 are provided. Theplurality of nozzle holes 115 are arranged in a row that extendsorthogonally (that is, horizontally) to the direction of the center axisof the liquid suction port 240 (the suction channel 222 in FIG. 11).

The liquid W that has been sucked upward under the negative pressure isdischarged from the liquid suction port 240. The liquid W dischargedfrom the liquid suction port 240 makes contact with the compressed airexpelled from each of the plurality of nozzle holes 115. The liquid Wmakes contact with the compressed air across a wide range. The liquid Wis more easily broken up by the compressed air expelled from the nozzlehole 115, and thus an improvement in the misting efficiency is achieved.

Tenth Embodiment

The present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 23 and24. A nebulizer kit according to the present embodiment includes asuction channel formation member 200F instead of the suction channelformation member 200 (see FIGS. 6, 7, and so on) according to theaforementioned first embodiment. The configuration of the suctionchannel formation member 200F described hereinafter can also be appliedin the second embodiment (see FIG. 15), the third embodiment (see FIG.16), the fourth embodiment (see FIG. 17), the fifth embodiment (see FIG.18), the sixth embodiment (see FIG. 19), the seventh embodiment (seeFIG. 20), the eighth embodiment (see FIG. 21), and the ninth embodiment(see FIG. 22).

In the suction channel formation member 200 according to the firstembodiment (see FIGS. 6, 7, and so on), the suction channel formationportion 220 is provided in the inner circumferential surface 210 a ofthe cylinder portion 210 as an indentation that extends approximatelylinearly from the opening 235 toward the opening 230, and is provided soas to pass through the interior of the expanded portion 241 and theliquid suction port formation member 243.

However, as shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, in the suction channel formationmember 200F according to the present embodiment, the suction channelformation portion 220 is provided as an overall groove-shapedindentation and is not configured to pass through the liquid suctionport formation member 243. The liquid suction port formation member 243is formed in a U shape.

The suction channel formation member 200F is also contained and disposedwithin the case body 100 so that the outer circumferential surface 113 bof the compressed air introduction tube 113 is covered by the cylinderportion 210. The suction channel 221 is formed along the outercircumferential surface 113 b of the compressed air introduction tube113. The suction channel 222 is formed so as to follow the leading endsurface 113 s of the compressed air introduction tube 113. The sameactions and effects as described in the first embodiment can be achievedby the suction channel formation member 200F as well.

Eleventh Embodiment

The present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 25 and26. A nebulizer kit according to the present embodiment includes asuction channel formation member 200G instead of the suction channelformation member 200 (see FIGS. 6, 7, and so on) according to theaforementioned first embodiment, and includes a case body 100D insteadof the case body 100 (see FIG. 10 and so on) according to theaforementioned first embodiment.

Like the suction channel formation member 200F in the aforementionedtenth embodiment (see FIGS. 23 and 24), the suction channel formationportion 220 (see FIG. 26) in the suction channel formation member 200Gis provided as an overall groove-shaped indentation and is notconfigured to pass through the liquid suction port formation member 243.The liquid suction port formation member 243 is formed in a U shape.

In the case body 100D, a platform 143 having an indentation 144 isprovided in the leading end surface 113 s of the upper tip area 113 a.The suction channel formation member 200G is attached to the case body100D (the compressed air introduction tube 113) as indicated by an arrowin FIG. 26. The platform 143 is fitted into an inner side 244 of theliquid suction port formation member 243. The liquid suction port 240(see FIG. 25) is formed by the indentation 144 in the platform 143 andthe inner side 244 of the liquid suction port formation member 243. Thesame actions and effects as described in the first embodiment can beachieved by the suction channel formation member 200G and the case body100D as well.

Twelfth Embodiment

The present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 27 to29. FIG. 27 is a perspective view illustrating an atomizing area and thevicinity thereof in a nebulizer kit according to the present embodiment.FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view taken along a XXVIII-XXVIII line shownin FIG. 27. FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustratinga state when aerosol is produced at the atomizing area in the nebulizerkit according to the present embodiment.

The nebulizer kit according to the present embodiment includes a suctionchannel formation member 200H instead of the suction channel formationmember 200 (see FIGS. 6, 7, and so on) according to the aforementionedfirst embodiment. The configuration of the suction channel formationmember 200H described hereinafter can also be applied in the secondembodiment (see FIG. 15), the third embodiment (see FIG. 16), the fourthembodiment (see FIG. 17), the fifth embodiment (see FIG. 18), the sixthembodiment (see FIG. 19), the seventh embodiment (see FIG. 20), theeighth embodiment (see FIG. 21), and the ninth embodiment (see FIG. 22).

As shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, in the suction channel formation member200H, a leading end surface of the liquid suction port formation member243 provided so as to protrude from the end surface 242 of the expandedportion 241 is sloped. An upper sloped surface region 270 that slopestoward the suction channel 221 as the region progresses upward isprovided in an upper area of the liquid suction port 240. An angle ofslope α of the upper sloped surface region 270 relative to the centeraxis of the nozzle hole 115 is set to be, for example, no less than 20°and no more than 45°. The angle of slope α is set to 35° from thestandpoint of improving the misting efficiency.

As shown in FIG. 28, the leading end area 243T of the liquid suctionport formation member 243 is disposed so as to follow the innercircumferential surface of the end of the nozzle hole 115 (that is, soas to make contact with an outer edge of the nozzle hole 115). Like theaforementioned case described with reference to FIG. 15 (the secondembodiment), the leading end area 243T may be disposed so as to matchthe center line of the nozzle hole 115 (the center line 115 c in FIG.15).

As shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, two expanded portions 246 are provided inthe end surface 242 of the expanded portion 241. The expanded portions246 are disposed so as to enclose the upper tip area 113 a from bothouter sides of the upper tip area 113 a. As shown in FIG. 28, in thepresent embodiment, a leading end surface of the expanded portions 246and the leading end area 243T of the liquid suction port formationmember 243 are located in the same plane.

Actions and Effects

With reference to FIG. 29, in the suction channel formation member 200H,the upper sloped surface region 270 is provided above the liquid suctionport 240. The liquid suction port 240 and the upper sloped surfaceregion 270 are sloped so as to gradually recede away from a channelalong which the compressed air expelled from the nozzle hole 115progresses (see the arrow AR113). Because the liquid suction port 240 issloped (to rephrase, because the liquid suction port 240 is formed so asto recede from the nozzle hole 115 progressively as the liquid suctionport 240 progresses upward), the amount of liquid W supplied can beadjusted by increasing or decreasing the slope of the liquid suctionport 240. For example, the amount of liquid W supplied can be reduced toan optimal value by increasing the slope of the liquid suction port 240(that is, increasing the value of the angle of slope α). By optimizingthe slope of the liquid suction port 240, the compressed air expelledfrom the nozzle hole 115 can be used to break up the liquid W with thehighest energy efficiency as possible. In addition, because the liquidsuction port 240 is sloped, the compressed air expelled from the nozzlehole 115 can be securely suppressed from entering into the liquidsuction port 240. Therefore, according to the suction channel formationmember 200H, the energy usage efficiency when atomizing the liquid W canbe improved further.

In the present embodiment, a sloped surface 272 is also provided belowthe liquid suction port 240. The upper sloped surface region 270, theliquid suction port 240, and the sloped surface 272 slope toward thenozzle hole 115 along the same direction. The liquid W discharged fromthe liquid suction port 240 turns into a droplet W1 and slides downalong the sloped surface 272 (see an arrow AR272). The droplet W1gradually advances into a region above the nozzle hole 115, startingwith the area of the droplet W1 on the front thereof in the direction ofthe slide, and then makes contact with the compressed air. The dropletW1 is then broken up, starting with the area of the droplet W1 on thefront thereof in the direction of the slide, due to the contact with thecompressed air.

By providing the sloped surface 272 below the liquid suction port 240,small amounts of the droplet W1 are consecutively supplied to thecompressed air expelled from the nozzle hole 115. The liquid W (thedroplet W1) is more easily broken up by the compressed air expelled fromthe nozzle hole 115, and thus an improvement in the misting efficiencyis achieved.

In order to reduce the size of the droplet W1, it is preferable for thesloped surface 272 (that is, a region of the suction channel formationmember 200 located between the liquid suction port 240 and the nozzlehole 115) to be more hydrophilic than the other regions of the suctionchannel formation member 200H where the sloped surface 272 is provided.Reducing the size of the droplet W1 makes it possible to obtain smallerparticles when the droplet W1 is broken up. Coating the sloped surface272 with a hydrophilic liquid, providing fine non-planarities in thesloped surface 272, and so on may be used to increase the hydrophilicproperties of the sloped surface 272.

Providing the upper sloped surface region 270 above the liquid suctionport 240 increases the size of a space for dispersing aerosol W2produced when the droplet W1 breaks up. Thus the aerosol W2 can beproduced in a broader space (atomizing area M).

It is preferable for the angle of slope α of the upper sloped surfaceregion 270 relative to the center axis of the nozzle hole 115 to beoptimized in accordance with the flow amount and so on of the compressedair introduced into the compressed air introduction tube 113 in order tomore efficiently produce the aerosol at the atomizing area M.

Thirteenth Embodiment

The present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 30 to32. FIG. 30 is a perspective view illustrating an atomizing area and thevicinity thereof in a nebulizer kit according to the present embodiment.FIG. 31 is a plan view illustrating a case body 100 and the like asviewed from the direction of an arrow XXXI shown in FIG. 30. FIG. 32 isa cross-sectional view taken along a XXXII-XXXII line shown in FIG. 30.

The nebulizer kit according to the present embodiment includes a suctionchannel formation member 200J instead of the suction channel formationmember 200H (see FIG. 27 and so on) according to the aforementionedtwelfth embodiment. The configuration of the suction channel formationmember 200J described hereinafter can also be applied in the firstembodiment (see FIG. 10), the second embodiment (see FIG. 15), the thirdembodiment (see FIG. 16), the fourth embodiment (see FIG. 17), the fifthembodiment (see FIG. 18), the sixth embodiment (see FIG. 19), theseventh embodiment (see FIG. 20), the eighth embodiment (see FIG. 21),and the ninth embodiment (see FIG. 22).

As shown in FIG. 30, in the suction channel formation member 200J, alower sloped surface region 280 that slopes in the direction of thesuction channel 221 (see FIG. 32) as the region progresses downward isprovided below the liquid suction port 240. A lower end area of thelower sloped surface region 280 is disposed so as to make contact withan outer edge of the nozzle hole 115.

As shown in FIGS. 31 and 32, the leading end area 243T of the liquidsuction port formation member 243 is located in an area where the uppersloped surface region 270 and the lower sloped surface region 280intersect (see FIG. 32). The sloped surface 272 according to theaforementioned twelfth embodiment (see FIG. 29) may furthermore beprovided between the lower sloped surface region 280 and the liquidsuction port 240. When the nozzle hole 115 is viewed from the liquidsuction port 240, the leading end area 243T of the liquid suction portformation member 243 is positioned in the center of the nozzle hole 115.

According to the suction channel formation member 200J, the direction inwhich the compressed air expelled from the nozzle hole 115 advancesgradually changes along the lower sloped surface region 280, spreadingin a direction moving away from the liquid suction port 240. Thecompressed air expelled from the nozzle hole 115 can be securelysuppressed from entering into the liquid suction port 240. Therefore,according to the suction channel formation member 200J, the usageefficiency of the compressed air is high when producing the aerosol.

Fourteenth Embodiment

The present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 33 and34. FIG. 33 is a perspective view illustrating an atomizing area and thevicinity thereof in a nebulizer kit according to the present embodiment.FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view taken along a XXXIV-XXXIV line shownin FIG. 33.

A nebulizer kit according to the present embodiment includes a suctionchannel formation member 200K instead of the suction channel formationmember 2007 (see FIG. 30 and so on) according to the aforementionedthirteenth embodiment. The configuration of the suction channelformation member 200K described hereinafter can also be applied in thefirst embodiment (see FIG. 10), the second embodiment (see FIG. 15), thethird embodiment (see FIG. 16), the fourth embodiment (see FIG. 17), thefifth embodiment (see FIG. 18), the sixth embodiment (see FIG. 19), theseventh embodiment (see FIG. 20), the eighth embodiment (see FIG. 21),and the ninth embodiment (see FIG. 22).

As shown in FIGS. 33 and 34, in the suction channel formation member200K, a protrusion 274 is provided in the surface of the upper slopedsurface region 270. The protrusion 274 is quadrangular in shape. Theprotrusion 274 protrudes from the upper sloped surface region 270 byapproximately 0.2 mm. The protrusion 274 may have a semi-sphericalshape. According to the suction channel formation member 200K, providingthe protrusion 274 in the upper sloped surface region 270 makes itpossible to increase the value of the negative pressure produced at theatomizing area M and the vicinity thereof (to rephrase, reduces thepressure at the atomizing area M and the vicinity thereof beyond thesurrounding pressure). The quantity of the aerosol can be increased as aresult. The aforementioned twelfth embodiment describes the angle ofslope α of the upper sloped surface region 270 relative to the centeraxis of the nozzle hole 115 (see FIG. 28) as being set to be, forexample, no less than 20° and no more than 45°. However, providing theprotrusion 274 ameliorates a situation where it is difficult to suck theliquid due to insufficient negative pressure due to the protrusion 274not being provided, and makes it possible to suck the liquid, even inthe case where the angle of slope α is greater than 45° (50°, 60°, orthe like). Furthermore, providing the protrusion 274 makes it possibleto increase the quantity of the aerosol even in the case where the angleof slope α is set to 45° or less (this is useful in cases of lowcompressor capabilities).

Fifteenth Embodiment

The present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 35 and36. FIG. 35 is a perspective view illustrating an atomizing area and thevicinity thereof in a nebulizer kit according to the present embodiment.FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view taken along a XXXVI-XXXVI line shownin FIG. 35.

The nebulizer kit according to the present embodiment includes a suctionchannel formation member 200L instead of the suction channel formationmember 200J (see FIG. 30 and so on) according to the aforementionedthirteenth embodiment. The configuration of the suction channelformation member 200L described hereinafter can also be applied in thefirst embodiment (see FIG. 10), the second embodiment (see FIG. 15), thethird embodiment (see FIG. 16), the fourth embodiment (see FIG. 17), thefifth embodiment (see FIG. 18), the sixth embodiment (see FIG. 19), theseventh embodiment (see FIG. 20), the eighth embodiment (see FIG. 21),and the ninth embodiment (see FIG. 22).

As shown in FIGS. 35 and 36, in the suction channel formation member200L, a leading end surface of the liquid suction port formation member243 is formed so as to curve in a convex shape. Both the upper slopedsurface region 270 and the lower sloped surface region 280 are curved ina convex shape as well.

Because the upper sloped surface region 270 and the lower sloped surfaceregion 280 are formed having a convex shape, the liquid W dischargedfrom the liquid suction port 240 easily spreads across a wide range, andeasily forms a liquid film. The liquid W that has formed a liquid filmis more easily broken up by the compressed air expelled from the nozzlehole 115, and thus an improvement in the misting efficiency is achieved.

Sixteenth Embodiment

The present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 37 and38. A nebulizer kit according to the present embodiment includes aparticle segregating portion 300A instead of the particle segregatingportion 300 (see FIG. 3 and so on) according to the aforementioned firstembodiment. The configuration of the particle segregating portion 300Adescribed hereinafter can also be applied in the aforementioned secondto fifteenth embodiments.

In the particle segregating portion 300 according to the aforementionedfirst embodiment, the four blade portions 340 occupy a space between theatomizing area M (see FIG. 14 and so on) and the aerosol discharge port420 (see FIG. 14 and so on) in a fan shape. The particle segregatingportion 300A according to the present embodiment includes a plurality ofblade portions 340A. The plurality of blade portions 340A are formed inslat shapes, and are disposed in an essentially triangular shape, whenviewed as a cross-section, progressing from the side on which the lowercylinder portion 310 is located toward the upper cylinder portion 320.The plurality of blade portions 340A are positioned so as to be parallelto each other (see FIG. 38). The plurality of blade portions 340A occupya space between the atomizing area M and the aerosol discharge port 420in a linear shape.

Even in the case where the particle segregating portion 300A is used,large (for example, 10 μm or greater) particles of the aerosol movingtoward the aerosol discharge port 420 from the atomizing area M adhereto the surfaces of the blade portions 340A. Aerosol having desiredparticle diameters (for example, greater than or equal to 2 μm and lessthan 10 μm) segregated by the blade portions 340A is then discharged tothe exterior through the aerosol discharge port 420 (see FIG. 3 and soon). The aerosol is then sucked into the nose or mouth of the userthrough the mouthpiece 500 (see FIG. 1).

Seventeenth Embodiment

The present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 39 and40. A nebulizer kit according to the present embodiment includes aparticle segregating portion 300B instead of the particle segregatingportion 300 (see FIG. 3 and so on) according to the aforementioned firstembodiment, and includes a flow channel formation member 400B instead ofthe flow channel formation member 400 (see FIG. 3 and so on). Theconfiguration of the particle segregating portion 300B and the flowchannel formation member 400B described hereinafter can also be appliedin the aforementioned second to fifteenth embodiments.

In the present embodiment, the upper cylinder portion 414 and the lowercylinder portion 410 of the flow channel formation member 400B areconfigured as separate entities, and the particle segregating portion300B is provided as an integral part of the lower cylinder portion 410within the lower cylinder portion 410. The upper cylinder portion 414 isfitted into an upper end of the upper cylinder portion 320 in theparticle segregating portion 300B.

Even in the case where the particle segregating portion 300B and theflow channel formation member 400B are used, large (for example, 10 μmor greater) particles of the aerosol moving toward the aerosol dischargeport 420 from the atomizing area M (see FIG. 14 and so on) adhere to thesurfaces of the blade portions 340. Aerosol having desired particlediameters (for example, greater than or equal to 2 μm and less than 10μm) segregated by the blade portions 340 is then discharged to theexterior through the aerosol discharge port 420. The aerosol is thensucked into the nose or mouth of the user through the mouthpiece 500(see FIG. 1).

Eighteenth Embodiment

The present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 41. Anebulizer kit according to the present embodiment includes a particlesegregating portion 300C instead of the particle segregating portion 300(see FIG. 3 and so on) according to the aforementioned first embodiment,and includes a flow channel formation member 400C instead of the flowchannel formation member 400 (see FIG. 3 and so on). The configurationof the particle segregating portion 300C and the flow channel formationmember 400C described hereinafter can also be applied in theaforementioned second to fifteenth embodiments.

In the present embodiment, the upper cylinder portion 414 and the lowercylinder portion 410 of the flow channel formation member 400C areconfigured as separate entities. A cylindrical fixing portion 470 isprovided in the lower cylinder portion 410. A step 472 is provided on aninner side of the cylindrical fixing portion 470. A cylindrical portion322 of the particle segregating portion 300C is fitted inside thecylindrical fixing portion 470. The four blade portions 340 are providedon an inner side of the cylindrical portion 322. The particlesegregating portion 300C is fixed to the flow channel formation member400C by being sandwiched between the upper cylinder portion 414 and thelower cylinder portion 410.

Even in the case where the particle segregating portion 300C and theflow channel formation member 400C are used, large (for example, 10 μmor greater) particles of the aerosol moving toward the aerosol dischargeport 420 from the atomizing area M (see FIG. 14 and so on) adhere to thesurfaces of the blade portions 340. Aerosol having desired particlediameters (for example, greater than or equal to 2 μm and less than 10μm) segregated by the blade portions 340 is then discharged to theexterior through the aerosol discharge port 420. The aerosol is thensucked into the nose or mouth of the user through the mouthpiece 500(see FIG. 1).

Nineteenth Embodiment

The present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 42. Anebulizer kit according to the present embodiment includes a particlesegregating portion 300D instead of the particle segregating portion 300(see FIG. 3 and so on) according to the aforementioned first embodiment,and includes a flow channel formation member 400D instead of the flowchannel formation member 400 (see FIG. 3 and so on). The configurationof the particle segregating portion 300D and the flow channel formationmember 400D described hereinafter can also be applied in theaforementioned second to fifteenth embodiments.

In the present embodiment, the upper cylinder portion 414 and the lowercylinder portion 410 of the flow channel formation member 400D areconfigured as separate entities. The cylindrical fixing portion 470 isprovided in the lower cylinder portion 410. The step 472 is provided onan inner side of the cylindrical fixing portion 470. The cylindricalportion 322 of the particle segregating portion 300D is fitted insidethe cylindrical fixing portion 470. The plurality of blade portions 340Aare provided on an inner side of the cylindrical portion 322. Theparticle segregating portion 300D is fixed to the flow channel formationmember 400D by being sandwiched between the upper cylinder portion 414and the lower cylinder portion 410.

Even in the case where the particle segregating portion 300D and theflow channel formation member 400D are used, large (for example, 10 μmor greater) particles of the aerosol moving toward the aerosol dischargeport 420 from the atomizing area M (see FIG. 14 and so on) adhere to thesurfaces of the blade portions 340A. Aerosol having desired particlediameters (for example, greater than or equal to 2 μm and less than 10μm) segregated by the blade portions 340A is then discharged to theexterior through the aerosol discharge port 420. The aerosol is thensucked into the nose or mouth of the user through the mouthpiece 500(see FIG. 1).

Twentieth Embodiment

The present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 43. Anebulizer kit according to the present embodiment includes a particlesegregating portion 300E instead of the particle segregating portion 300(see FIG. 3 and so on) according to the aforementioned first embodiment,and includes a flow channel formation member 400E instead of the flowchannel formation member 400 (see FIG. 3 and so on). The configurationof the particle segregating portion 300E and the flow channel formationmember 400E described hereinafter can also be applied in theaforementioned second to fifteenth embodiments.

In the present embodiment, the upper cylinder portion 414 and the lowercylinder portion 410 of the flow channel formation member 400E areconfigured as separate entities. The cylindrical fixing portion 470 isprovided in the lower cylinder portion 410. An interlocking recess 474is provided on an inner side of the cylindrical fixing portion 470. Thecylindrical portion 322 of the particle segregating portion 300E isfitted inside the cylindrical fixing portion 470. The four bladeportions 340 is are provided on an inner side of the cylindrical portion322. An interlocking protrusion 374 is provided on an outer side of thecylindrical portion 322. The particle segregating portion 300E is fixedto the flow channel formation member 400E by being sandwiched betweenthe upper cylinder portion 414 and the lower cylinder portion 410 withthe interlocking protrusion 374 and the interlocking recess 474interlocking with each other.

Even in the case where the particle segregating portion 300E and theflow channel formation member 400E are used, large (for example, 10 μmor greater) particles of the aerosol moving toward the aerosol dischargeport 420 from the atomizing area M (see FIG. 14 and so on) adhere to thesurfaces of the blade portions 340. Aerosol having desired particlediameters (for example, greater than or equal to 2 μm and less than 10μm) segregated by the blade portions 340 are then discharged to theexterior through the aerosol discharge port 420. Movement of theparticle segregating portion 300E in a rotation direction relative tothe flow channel formation member 400E is limited, and thus aerosolhaving a particle size closer to a design value is discharged to theexterior. The aerosol is then sucked into the nose or mouth of the userthrough the mouthpiece 500 (see FIG. 1).

Twenty-First Embodiment

The present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 44. Anebulizer kit according to the present embodiment includes a particlesegregating portion 300F instead of the particle segregating portion 300(see FIG. 3 and so on) according to the aforementioned first embodiment,and includes a flow channel formation member 400F instead of the flowchannel formation member 400 (see FIG. 3 and so on). The configurationof the particle segregating portion 300F and the flow channel formationmember 400F described hereinafter can also be applied in theaforementioned second to fifteenth embodiments.

In the present embodiment, the upper cylinder portion 414 and the lowercylinder portion 410 of the flow channel formation member 400F areconfigured as separate entities. The cylindrical fixing portion 470 isprovided in the lower cylinder portion 410. The interlocking recess 474is provided on an inner side of the cylindrical fixing portion 470. Thecylindrical portion 322 of the particle segregating portion 300F isfitted inside the cylindrical fixing portion 470. The plurality of bladeportions 340A are provided on an inner side of the cylindrical portion322. The interlocking protrusion 374 is provided on an outer side of thecylindrical portion 322. The particle segregating portion 300F is fixedto the flow channel formation member 400F by being sandwiched betweenthe upper cylinder portion 414 and the lower cylinder portion 410 withthe interlocking protrusion 374 and the interlocking recess 474interlocking with each other.

Even in the case where the particle segregating portion 300F and theflow channel formation member 400F are used, large (for example, 10 μmor greater) particles of the aerosol moving toward the aerosol dischargeport 420 from the atomizing area M (see FIG. 14 and so on) adhere to thesurfaces of the blade portions 340A. Aerosol having desired particlediameters (for example, greater than or equal to 2 μm and less than 10μm) segregated by the blade portions 340A is then discharged to theexterior through the aerosol discharge port 420. Movement of theparticle segregating portion 300F in a rotation direction relative tothe flow channel formation member 400F is limited, and thus aerosolhaving a particle size closer to a design value is discharged to theexterior. The aerosol is then sucked into the nose or mouth of the userthrough the mouthpiece 500 (see FIG. 1).

Twenty-Second Embodiment

A nebulizer kit 1000G according to the present embodiment will bedescribed with reference to FIGS. 45 to 54. FIG. 45 is perspective viewillustrating the nebulizer kit 1000G. FIG. 46 is an exploded perspectiveview illustrating the nebulizer kit 1000G.

Nebulizer Kit 1000G

As shown in FIGS. 45 and 46, the nebulizer kit 1000G includes a casebody 100G, the suction channel formation member 200G (see FIG. 46), aparticle segregating portion 300G (see FIG. 46), and a flow channelformation member 400G.

Case Body 100G/Suction Channel Formation Member 200G

FIG. 47 is a cross-sectional perspective view illustrating the case body100G and the suction channel formation member 200G. As shown in FIGS. 46and 47, recesses 190 that are recessed from an inner side of thecylinder portion 110 toward an outer side of the cylinder portion 110are provided in the cylinder portion 110 of the case body 1000. Asidefrom the recesses 190, the configurations of the case body 100A (seeFIG. 20), 100B (see FIG. 21), 100C (see FIG. 22), and 100D (see FIG. 25)according to the aforementioned embodiments may be employed for theconfiguration of the case body 100G.

A protrusion 290 that protrudes away from the cylinder portion 210 maybe provided in the plate-shaped gripping portion 250 of the suctionchannel formation member 200G. When the suction channel formation member200G is disposed within the case body 100G, the protrusion 290 of thesuction channel formation member 2000 is fitted into an inner side ofone of the recesses 190 of the case body 100G (see FIG. 47). The suctionchannel formation member 200G is thus fixed to the case body 100E Asidefrom the protrusion 290, the configurations of the suction channelformation member 200 (see FIG. 3), 200A (see FIG. 15), 200B (see FIG.16), 200C (see FIG. 17), 200D (see FIG. 18), 200E (see FIG. 19), 200F(see FIG. 24), and 200G (see FIG. 25) according to the aforementionedembodiments may be employed for the configuration of the suction channelformation member 200G.

Particle Segregating Portion 300G/Flow Channel Formation Member 400G

Referring again to FIG. 46, in the particle segregating portion 300G,two blade portions 340 are provided around the center shaft portion 330.In the particle segregating portion 3000, the two blade portions 340 areconfigured so as to be independent from the cylindrical fixing portion470 (corresponding to the upper cylinder portion 320 indicated in FIGS.39 and 40). The two blade portions 340 occupy a space between theatomizing area M and the aerosol discharge port 420 in a fan shape. Thinplate portions 344 that extend upward are provided in the upper ends ofthe blade portions 340. In the present embodiment, the orientation ofthe blade portions 340 relative to the atomizing area M (see FIGS. 11,32, and so on) is adjusted by rotating the blade portions 340.

Specifically, in the flow channel formation member 400G, the uppercylinder portion 414 and the lower cylinder portion 410 are separateentities that are fixed to each other. The cylindrical fixing portion470 is provided in the lower cylinder portion 410, extending upward. Twoblade portions 440 are provided on an inner side of the cylindricalfixing portion 470 (see also FIG. 50). The blade portions 440 are formedhaving the same shape as the blade portions 340. When the cylindricalfixing portion 470 is taken as corresponding to the upper cylinderportion 320 (see FIGS. 39 and 40) in the particle segregating portion300G, the blade portions 440 are positioned on an inner side of theupper cylinder portion 320 (toward an end of the particle segregatingportion). A scale 490 is provided on an outer side of the cylindricalfixing portion 470.

FIG. 48 is a perspective view illustrating the upper cylinder portion414 of the flow channel formation member 400G Attachment recesses 494are provided on an inner side of the upper cylinder portion 414. Theattachment recesses 494 correspond to the shape of the thin plateportions 344 (see FIG. 46) in the particle segregating portion 300G (seeFIG. 46). An indicator portion 492 that corresponds to the scale 490 isprovided extending downward from the lower end of the upper cylinderportion 414 (see also FIG. 46).

FIG. 49 is a cross-sectional perspective view illustrating a state inwhich the particle segregating portion 300G and the upper cylinderportion 414 of the flow channel formation member 400G are fixed to eachother. The particle segregating portion 300G is configured to beremovable from the flow channel formation member 400G, and is fixed tothe flow channel formation member 400G by being sandwiched between theupper cylinder portion 414 and the lower cylinder portion 410 (see FIG.46).

When the particle segregating portion 300G is fixed to the flow channelformation member 400G, the thin plate portions 344 of the particlesegregating portion 300G interlock with inner sides of the attachmentrecesses 494 in the upper cylinder portion 414. Thus when the uppercylinder portion 414 rotates (see an arrow AR492 in FIG. 51), the uppercylinder portion 414 and the particle segregating portion 300G rotateintegrally in the same direction.

FIG. 50 is a cross-sectional perspective view illustrating a state inwhich the particle segregating portion 300G and the lower cylinderportion 410 of the flow channel formation member 400G are fixed to eachother. As described above, the particle segregating portion 300G isfixed to the flow channel formation member 400G by being sandwichedbetween the upper cylinder portion 414 (see FIG. 46) and the lowercylinder portion 410. The blade portions 340 of the particle segregatingportion 300G are configured to be removable from the lower cylinderportion 410 of the flow channel formation member 400G.

When the particle segregating portion 300G is fixed to the flow channelformation member 400G, a lower end of the center shaft portion 330 inthe particle segregating portion 300G is fitted into a receiving portion450 provided in the center of the cylindrical fixing portion 47Q. Whenthe upper cylinder portion 414 (see FIG. 49 and so on) is rotated (seethe arrow AR492 in FIG. 51), the particle segregating portion 300Grotates integrally with the upper cylinder portion 414 central to thereceiving portion 450.

Operations of Nebulizer Kit 1000G

FIG. 51 is perspective view illustrating operations of the nebulizer kit1000G. In the nebulizer kit 1000G, the suction channel formation member200G (see FIG. 47) is fixed to the case body 100G (see FIG. 47). Theaerosol produced at the atomizing area M (see FIGS. 11, 32, and so on)moves toward the aerosol discharge port 420 with a predetermineddirectivity. In the nebulizer kit 1000G, the blade portions 340 (seeFIG. 46 and so on) are positioned between the atomizing area M and theaerosol discharge port 420. The configuration is such that theorientation of the blade portions 340 relative to the atomizing area Mcan be adjusted.

FIG. 52 is a first plan view illustrating the particle segregatingportion 300G and the flow channel formation member 400G, looking down onthe nebulizer kit 1000G from the aerosol discharge port 420. In FIG. 52,the indicator portion 492 of the upper cylinder portion 414 is set to“MIN” in the scale 490 (see FIG. 51).

In the state shown in FIG. 52, an aerosol channel formed between theatomizing area M and the aerosol discharge port 420 is almost completelyoccupied by the blade portions 340 and the blade portions 440. Almostall of large particles of the aerosol moving toward the aerosoldischarge port 420 from the atomizing area M adhere to the surfaces ofthe blade portions 340 and the blade portions 440.

FIG. 53 is a second plan view illustrating the particle segregatingportion 300G and the flow channel formation member 400G, looking down onthe nebulizer kit 1000G from the aerosol discharge port 420. In FIG. 53,the indicator portion 492 of the upper cylinder portion 414 is setbetween “MIN” and “MAX” in the scale 490 (see FIG. 51). Compared to theblade portions 340 shown in FIG. 52, the blade portions 340 shown inFIG. 53 have been rotated clockwise by a predetermined angle as a resultof the upper cylinder portion 414 rotating.

In the state shown in FIG. 53, the blade portions 340 are partiallylocated underneath the blade portions 440. The aerosol channel formedbetween the atomizing area M and the aerosol discharge port 420 isslightly occupied by the blade portions 340 and the blade portions 440(that is, the liquid reservoir portion 116 is partially exposed). Largeparticles of the aerosol moving toward the aerosol discharge port 420from the atomizing area M can therefore also pass between the bladeportions 340 and the blade portions 440 and be discharged to theexterior from the aerosol discharge port 420.

FIG. 54 is a third plan view illustrating the particle segregatingportion 300G and the flow channel formation member 4000, looking down onthe nebulizer kit 1000G from the aerosol discharge port 420. In FIG. 54,the indicator portion 492 of the upper cylinder portion 414 is set to“MAX” in the scale 490 (see FIG. 51). Compared to the blade portions 340shown in FIG. 53, the blade portions 340 shown in FIG. 54 have beenfurther rotated clockwise by a predetermined angle as a result of theupper cylinder portion 414 rotating.

In the state shown in FIG. 54, the blade portions 340 are almostentirely located underneath the blade portions 440. The aerosol channelformed between the atomizing area M and the aerosol discharge port 420is thus almost completely unoccupied by the blade portions 340. Largeparticles of the aerosol moving toward the aerosol discharge port 420from the atomizing area M can therefore also pass between the bladeportions 340 and the blade portions 440 and be discharged to theexterior from the aerosol discharge port 420.

Actions and Effects

The orientation of the blade portions 340 relative to the atomizing areaM is adjusted by rotating the blade portions 340. The width of theaerosol channel formed between the atomizing area M and the aerosoldischarge port 420 (that is, the percentage of the channel occupied bythe blade portions 340) increases or decreases when the blade portions340 rotate. The size of the aerosol particles discharged from theaerosol discharge port 420 depends on the width of the aerosol channelformed between the atomizing area M and the aerosol discharge port 420.Therefore, according to the nebulizer kit 1000G, aerosol having aparticle size that is optimal for water, a saline solution, a drugsolution for treating a disease in the respiratory system or the like,or a vaccine administered to a user can be obtained.

Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 50, the flow channel formation member 400Gtapers so that the inner diameter thereof decreases as the memberprogresses from the bottom (an area toward the atomizing area M) towardthe cylindrical fixing portion 470 (the aerosol discharge port 420). Theblade portions 440 and the blade portions 340 can thus effectivelysegregate particles.

Twenty-Third Embodiment

The present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 55 and56. A nebulizer kit according to the present embodiment includes aparticle segregating portion 300H instead of the particle segregatingportion 300G (see FIG. 46 and so on) according to the aforementionedtwenty-second embodiment, and includes a flow channel formation member400H instead of the flow channel formation member 400G (see FIG. 46 andso on).

The particle segregating portion 300H according to the presentembodiment includes a plurality of blade portions 340A on an inner sideof the cylindrical portion 322. The plurality of blade portions 340A areformed in slat shapes, and are disposed in an essentially triangularshape when viewed as a cross-section. The plurality of blade portions340A are positioned so as to be parallel to each other (see FIG. 56).The plurality of blade portions 340A occupy a space between theatomizing area M and the aerosol discharge port 420 in a linear shape.

The thin plate portions 344 that are fitted into the attachment recesses494 of the upper cylinder portion 414 (see FIG. 46) are provided in anupper end of the cylindrical portion 322. The interlocking protrusion374 that is fitted into the interlocking recess 474 of the cylindricalfixing portion 470 is provided in the outer surface of the cylindricalportion 322.

The aerosol produced at the atomizing area M (see FIGS. 11, 32, and soon) moves toward the aerosol discharge port 420 (see FIG. 46) with apredetermined directivity in this present embodiment as well. The bladeportions 340A are positioned between the atomizing area M and theaerosol discharge port 420. The configuration is such that theorientation of the blade portions 340A relative to the atomizing area Mcan be adjusted.

The orientation of the blade portions 340A relative to the atomizingarea M is adjusted by rotating the blade portions 340A. The width of theaerosol channel formed between the atomizing area M and the aerosoldischarge port 420 (that is, the percentage of the channel occupied bythe blade portions 340A) increases or decreases when the blade portions340A rotate. The size of the aerosol particles discharged from theaerosol discharge port 420 depends on the width of the aerosol channelformed between the atomizing area M and the aerosol discharge port 420.Therefore, according to the nebulizer kit of the present embodiment aswell, aerosol having a particle size that is optimal for water, a salinesolution, a drug solution for treating a disease in the respiratorysystem or the like, or a vaccine administered to a user can be obtained.

Twenty-Fourth Embodiment

The present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 57. Anebulizer kit according to the present embodiment includes a particlesegregating portion 300J instead of the particle segregating portion300G (see FIG. 46 and so on) according to the aforementionedtwenty-second embodiment, and includes a flow channel formation member400J instead of the flow channel formation member 400G (see FIG. 46 andso on).

In the particle segregating portion 300J, a connection portion 376, agripping portion 378, and a projection 388 are provided in the outercircumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 322. The connectionportion 376 projects in the normal direction relative to the cylindricalportion 322. The gripping portion 378 is provided so as to hang downwardfrom a leading end of the connection portion 376 in the direction inwhich the connection portion 376 projects. The shape of the connectionportion 376 corresponds to the shape of a notched portion 476 providedin the flow channel formation member 400J, which will be mentionedlater. The shape of the projection 388 corresponds to the shape of arecessed groove 478 provided in the flow channel formation member 400J,which will be mentioned later. The projection 388 is fitted into therecessed groove 478.

In the flow channel formation member 400J, the notched portion 476 isprovided in the cylindrical fixing portion 470. The notched portion 476is provided parallel to the direction of the cylinder axis of thecylindrical fixing portion 470. The connection portion 376 of theparticle segregating portion 300J is fitted into the notched portion476. The particle segregating portion 300J can be kept at apredetermined height as a result of the notched portion 476 and theconnection portion 376 interlocking with each other. A scale 496 isprovided on an outer surface of the cylindrical fixing portion 470, inthe vicinity of the notched portion 476.

The aerosol produced at the atomizing area M (see FIGS. 11, 32, and soon) moves toward the aerosol discharge port 420 (see FIG. 57) with apredetermined directivity in this present embodiment as well. The bladeportions 340 are positioned between the atomizing area M and the aerosoldischarge port 420. The configuration is such that the position of theblade portions 340 relative to the atomizing area M can be adjusted.

A gap between the blade portions 340 and the atomizing area M isincreased or decreased by changing the position of the particlesegregating portion 300J relative to the flow channel formation member400J using the gripping portion 378. The size of the aerosol particlesdischarged from the aerosol discharge port 420 also depends on the gapbetween the blade portions 340 and the atomizing area M. Therefore,according to the nebulizer kit of the present embodiment as well,aerosol having a particle size that is optimal for water, a salinesolution, a drug solution for treating a disease in the respiratorysystem or the like, or a vaccine administered to a user can be obtained.

Twenty-Fifth Embodiment

The present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 58 and59. A nebulizer kit according to the present embodiment includes aparticle segregating portion 300K instead of the particle segregatingportion 300G (see FIG. 46 and so on) according to the aforementionedtwenty-second embodiment, and includes a flow channel formation member400K instead of the flow channel formation member 400G (see FIG. 46 andso on).

In the particle segregating portion 300K, a projection 377 and theinterlocking protrusion 374 are provided in the outer circumferentialsurface of the cylindrical portion 322. The shape of the projection 377corresponds to the shape of an engagement long-hole 427 provided in theflow channel formation member 400K (upper cylinder portion 414). Theshape of the interlocking protrusion 374 corresponds to the shape of theinterlocking recess 474 provided in the flow channel formation member400K (lower cylinder portion 410). The interlocking protrusion 374 isfitted into the interlocking recess 474.

As shown in FIG. 59, a single blade portion 440 is provided on the innerside of the cylindrical portion 322, and a slat-shaped shaft portion 329is supported by the blade portion 440. The slat-shaped shaft portion 329is disposed following the cylinder axis of the cylindrical portion 322.

The particle segregating portion 300K includes three blade portions340B. A fitting hole 349 is provided in each of the three blade portions340B. The three blade portions 340B are fitted onto the slat-shapedshaft portion 329 in order using the fitting holes 349. It is preferablethat the fitting holes 349 are configured so as to engage with theslat-shaped shaft portion 329 using friction.

The aerosol produced at the atomizing area M (see FIGS. 11, 32, and soon) moves toward the aerosol discharge port 420 (see FIG. 58) with apredetermined directivity in this present embodiment as well. The bladeportions 340B are positioned between the atomizing area M and theaerosol discharge port 420. The configuration is such that theorientations of the blade portions 340B relative to the atomizing area Mcan be adjusted.

The orientations of the blade portions 340B relative to the atomizingarea M are adjusted by rotating the blade portions 340B. The width ofthe aerosol channel formed between the atomizing area M and the aerosoldischarge port 420 (that is, the percentage of the channel occupied bythe blade portions 340B) increases or decreases when the blade portions340B rotate. The size of the aerosol particles discharged from theaerosol discharge port 420 depends on the width of the aerosol channelformed between the atomizing area M and the aerosol discharge port 420.Therefore, according to the nebulizer kit of the present embodiment aswell, aerosol having a particle size that is optimal for water, a salinesolution, a drug solution for treating a disease in the respiratorysystem or the like, or a vaccine administered to a user can be obtained.

The three blade portions 340B can be attached at independent anglesrelative to the slat-shaped shaft portion 329. Because the percentage ofthe channel occupied by the blade portions 340B can be adjusted over asmaller range, the nebulizer kit according to the present embodiment ishighly convenient for obtaining aerosol having an optimal particle size.Furthermore, because the blade portions 340B can be easily removed fromthe cylindrical portion 322, the nebulizer kit according to the presentembodiment is also highly convenient in terms of cleaning.

Although several embodiments of the present invention have beendescribed thus far, it should be noted that the embodiments disclosedabove are to be understood as being in all ways exemplary and in no waylimiting. The technical scope of the present invention is defined by thescope of the appended claims, and all changes that fall within the sameessential spirit as the scope of the claims are intended to be includedtherein as well.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   -   100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100G, 900 case body    -   102, 230, 235, 924 a opening    -   110, 210, 322 cylindrical portion    -   113, 913 compressed air introduction tube    -   113 a, 913 a upper tip area    -   113 b outer circumferential surface    -   113 s leading end surface    -   115, 915 nozzle hole    -   115 c center line    -   116, 916 liquid reservoir portion    -   143 platform    -   144, 190 indentation    -   180 interlocking hole    -   200, 200A, 200B, 200C, 200D, 200E, 200F, 200G, 200H, 200J, 200K,        200L suction channel formation member    -   210 a inner circumferential surface    -   220 suction channel formation portion    -   221, 222 suction channel    -   232 upper end surface    -   240 liquid suction port    -   241, 246 expanded portion    -   242 end surface    -   243 liquid suction port formation member    -   243T leading end area    -   244 inner side    -   250 plate-shaped gripping portion    -   251 plate portion    -   252, 274, 290 protrusion    -   260 liquid collection portion    -   270 upper sloped surface region    -   272 sloped surface    -   280 lower sloped surface region    -   300, 300A, 300B, 300C, 300D, 300E, 300F, 300G, 300H, 300J, 300K        particle segregating portion    -   310, 410 lower cylinder portion    -   320, 414 upper cylinder portion    -   329 slat-shaped shaft portion    -   330 center shaft portion    -   340, 340A, 340B, 440 blade portion    -   344 thin plate portion    -   349 fitting hole    -   374, 480 interlocking protrusion    -   376 connection portion    -   377, 388 projection    -   378 gripping portion    -   400, 400B, 400C, 400D, 400E, 400F, 400G, 400H, 400J, 400K, 930        flow channel formation member    -   412 central cylinder portion    -   420, 932 aerosol discharge port    -   427 engagement long-hole    -   430 outside air introduction port    -   450 receiving portion    -   470 cylindrical fixing portion    -   472 step    -   474 interlocking recess    -   476 notched portion    -   478 recessed groove    -   490, 496 scale    -   492 indicator portion    -   494 attachment recess    -   500 mouthpiece    -   510 main body    -   511 compressed air expulsion port    -   512 tube    -   902 upper opening    -   920 atomizing area formation member    -   922 baffle portion    -   923 baffle support portion    -   924 liquid suction tube formation area    -   925 projection    -   925T lower end    -   934 outside air introduction tube    -   1000, 1000G, 1000Z nebulizer kit    -   2000 nebulizer    -   AR113, AR220, AR272, AR430, AR492, AR913, AR915, AR922, AR932,        AR934 arrow    -   M atomizing area    -   R115 exit region    -   W liquid    -   W1 droplet    -   W2 aerosol

1. A nebulizer kit comprising: a case body, having an open upper end,and including a compressed air introduction tube, extending upward, intowhich compressed air is introduced and in an upper end portion of whicha nozzle hole that expels the compressed air is formed, and furtherincluding a liquid reservoir portion provided surrounding an outercircumferential surface of the compressed air introduction tube at abottom area of the compressed air introduction tube; a suction channelformation member that forms a suction channel that sucks a liquid heldin the liquid reservoir portion toward the upper end portion of thecompressed air introduction tube and forms an atomizing area in an exitregion of the nozzle hole provided in the compressed air introductiontube by covering the outer circumferential surface of the compressed airintroduction tube; and a flow channel formation member, including anaerosol discharge port that discharges an aerosol formed at theatomizing area to the exterior, that is attached to the case body so asto cover an upper opening of the case body, wherein the suction channelincludes: a first suction channel that extends upward along the outercircumferential surface of the compressed air introduction tube; and asecond suction channel that extends from the first suction channeltoward the nozzle hole at a leading end area of the compressed airintroduction tube and has a liquid suction port that expels the liquidthat has been sucked up, the second suction channel is formed so as topass through a portion of the flow channel formation member from aninterior of the channel formation member toward a surface of the channelformation member, and a liquid collecting portion having a largercross-sectional channel area than that of the second suction channel isprovided in a region where the first suction channel and the secondsuction channel intersect.
 2. The nebulizer kit according to claim 1,wherein the liquid suction port is positioned above a region in whichthe nozzle hole is provided when the nozzle hole is viewed from theliquid suction port.
 3. The nebulizer kit according to claim 2, whereinthe nozzle hole is formed in a circular shape, and a center line of thenozzle hole is positioned on a plane that includes the liquid suctionport.
 4. The nebulizer kit according to claim 1, wherein an opening ofthe liquid suction port is shaped so as to extend horizontally.
 5. Thenebulizer kit according to claim 1, wherein the nozzle hole is definedby a round, cylindrical inner circumferential surface, and the innercircumferential surface is a tapered surface that widens outward.
 6. Anebulizer comprising: a main body including a compressor that dischargescompressed air; a compressed air tube portion through which thecompressed air discharged by the compressor is introduced; and thenebulizer kit according to claim 1, to which one end of the compressedair tube portion is attached and that produces an aerosol.